Well, judging by the current state of nobility, I must confess that I am hesitant to elevate any of them to the throne. Neither would I want common folk, capable as they would be. Inheritance, where the only qualifier is being related to the previous monarch, simply seems best, since their task is mainly just to be, to hold the throne.
Common folk, however, can all theoretically become prime minister, holding actual power while answering to symbolic power. I rather like that arrangement. You can advance to the top of the tree, but you will still always be Mr. or Ms/Mrs. prime minister. That position ought to remain common yet influential. Not to mention, it is a healthy reminder that the position is always open for replacement.
Indeed, were I to write some work on rulership and statehood, the very first words would be 'All power ought to be limited by other sorts of power, and everyone ought to be kept little, so that they do not grow too big."
Unrelated: today is Norway Day. I had forgotten, until the parade rolled around. Congratulations, all Norwegians present!
EDIT: additional ramblings.
well, having a figure at the heart of country, that stands as a prominent and permanent role model and as an extension of the people.
Being american, we all lack that. We have hollywoods and drugs and nomnoms and derek overrated jeter.
I do long for the idea of having pride in such a figure. Must be nice. All the permanent heads hide in shadows. Many do not have more than a couple of publicly available tidbits about them, and fewer have photos one could see.
Yes, that is one of the reassuring things about monarchy, that the king will be there for his people, and that while true power is in our hand by way of popular election, the crown will remain to support it. That said, king Carl XVI Gustav is not exactly an inspiring figure. He is a bit of a blundering, bumbeling fool, truth be told. He is
not a clever man. He does, however, have a good heart and means his best, and is steadfast in his duties. I am proud of being a subject of his office, rather than of the man himself, if that makes sense.
Indeed, he is, in a way, family. A very distant family, but all citizens of the nation are part of it together. It is a remarkable feeling of reassurance and safety, once one stops to contemplate it.